HySEE – Hydrogen in Southeast Europe

The European Union accelerates the development of renewable hydrogen under REPowerEU and the revised Renewable Energy Directive to reach climate neutrality and strengthen energy security. Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy foresees importing a large share of its hydrogen demand, creating opportunities for countries with strong renewable energy potential. Bulgaria and Romania have such potential, exceeding domestic demand and enabling renewable hydrogen production for local use and export.

Both countries integrate hydrogen into their National Energy and Climate Plans and recovery strategies. However, regulatory gaps, unclear permitting procedures and missing long-term targets slow market development. Bulgaria’s National Hydrogen Roadmap and Romania’s emerging Hydrogen Strategy provide starting points but require stronger implementation frameworks. The project supports national policies by improving planning, coordination and investment readiness, while contributing to the establishment of a South-Eastern Hydrogen Corridor supplying Central Europe, including Germany.

The project strengthens the foundations for a renewable hydrogen market in Bulgaria and Romania through analysis, mapping and stakeholder engagement. It identifies suitable areas for hydrogen production by mapping renewable energy potential, production capacity and current and future hydrogen demand. Regulatory frameworks and funding opportunities are analysed to reveal barriers to market development.

Based on these findings, the project develops targeted policy recommendations that support clearer legislation, streamlined permitting and effective support schemes. Cross-border knowledge exchange with stakeholders from Greece, Hungary and Slovakia fosters regional cooperation and alignment. Workshops and dialogue formats promote acceptance of renewable hydrogen and connect public authorities, businesses, researchers and civil society.

By translating data into open-access tools and practical guidance, the project reduces investment risks, supports evidence-based decision-making and enables coordinated development of renewable hydrogen infrastructure in Southeast Europe.

HySEE Project Overview: Hydrogen Potentials and Cross-Border Synergies between Southeast and Central Europe. Illustration by Alexander Meisinger